CALEXICO, Calif., — Meth isn’t just crystalized as border authorities can confirm after a bust this week in California. In fact, there were two meth busts involving big rigs in a two-day stretch.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Calexico Cargo Facility discovered liquid methamphetamine and bulk methamphetamine concealed in the fuel tank of a tractor-trailer and duffle bags.
Around 6 a.m. on March 12, CBP officers say they encountered a 36-year-old man driving a red tractor-trailer seeking entry into the United States from Mexico. Following a cursory inspection, CBP officers referred the driver and tractor-trailer to the secondary inspection area for further examination.
In secondary, non-intrusive technology was employed to perform a comprehensive scan of the vehicle. CBP officers observed irregularities in the vehicle’s fuel tank area and radioed for assistance. A CBP K-9 unit responded and screened the vehicle, alerting officers to the presence of narcotics.
A total of 962.31 pounds of diesel fuel was extracted from the vehicle’s fuel tank. CBP officers tested the contents within, which resulted positive for methamphetamine.
In the secondary inspection area, CBP officers screened the tractor, “revealing anomalies within the cab.”
CBP officers conducted a physical examination of the tractor and discovered seven duffle bags containing a total of 140 packages with an aggregate weight of 704.94 pounds. CBP officers tested the contents in the duffel bags and received positive results for methamphetamine.
“These seizures of methamphetamine and liquid methamphetamine at our cargo facility highlight the relentless efforts of our CBP officers in stopping dangerous drugs from entering our communities,” said Roque Caza, Calexico Area Port Director. “Smugglers continue to adapt their methods, but our officers’ vigilance, expertise, and use of advanced technology allow us to stay ahead. This interception is a testament to our commitment to securing the border and protecting the public from the devastating effects of illicit narcotics.”
All subjects were turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations for further processing. The narcotics and commercial tractor-trailers were seized by CBP officers.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
